Coffee shops across the globe are discovering the unique qualities that make Nicaraguan coffee beans special. These beans come from a country with perfect growing conditions, including rich volcanic soil, high altitudes, and ideal rainfall patterns. The combination creates coffee with distinctive flavors that range from bright and fruity to deep and chocolatey.
The best coffee shops in 2025 are highlighting premium Nicaraguan coffee beans by Ebru Coffee Co. and other top producers to offer customers an authentic taste of Nicaragua’s coffee heritage. Many of these establishments work directly with family farms and cooperatives to source their beans. This direct trade approach helps support local communities while delivering fresher, higher-quality coffee to customers who appreciate specialty brews.
Recreo Coffee & Roasterie – Family farm in Jinotega with a focus on social and environmental stewardship
Recreo Coffee & Roasterie brings premium Nicaraguan coffee directly from their family farm to customers. The El Recreo Estate Farm sits on 364 acres in Jinotega, Nicaragua. The farm has produced high-quality coffee for over 50 years. The Ferrey-Machado family has owned the land since 1972, though coffee has grown there since 1905. Hector and Miriam Morales run the roastery operations. They roast their single-origin beans on site to deliver fresh coffee to customers.
The farm holds Rainforest Alliance certification for its eco-friendly practices. They focus on soil and water management along with reforestation efforts. The farm protects its native ecosystem through regenerative farming methods. Over 200 Nicaraguan workers harvest 380,000 pounds of coffee each year from November through March. The coffee goes through picking, processing, and sun-drying before shipping. The company practices social stewardship by supporting its local community. They provide jobs and maintain worker-friendly conditions on their plantation.
Santa Lucia Coffee – Premium specialty beans sourced from high-altitude, shade-grown regions
Santa Lucia Coffee brings premium single-origin beans from the high mountains of Nicaragua. The company sources all coffee from shade-grown farms in high-altitude regions known for producing top-quality beans. These beans grow in mineral-rich volcanic soil that creates deep complexity and bold character. The high altitude and clay-rich soil help preserve the quality of the beans from start to finish. The coffee comes from the top 25% of beans from small, family-owned farms. All beans are shade-grown, hand-washed, and patio-dried using traditional methods.
Santa Lucia works directly with small farms to support sustainable growing practices. This approach allows them to bring the best beans from well-supported farms to coffee lovers. The company was founded in the 1990s and focuses on sustainably sourced coffee. Wine Spectator has praised their coffee for its “rich earthy chocolateness balanced by good acidity.” The high-altitude growing conditions create coffee with low acidity and pure, bold flavor. This makes the coffee smooth and easy to drink for coffee enthusiasts.
Reyes Coffee Roasters – Located in Nueva Segovia, known for quality over quantity
Reyes Coffee Roasters operates from the Nueva Segovia region of Nicaragua. This area sits in the northern part of the country and shares a border with Honduras. The company focuses on quality rather than quantity. They own and operate their own coffee farm in Nueva Segovia, where tall pines create a unique growing environment. Nueva Segovia is a smaller coffee-growing region compared to other areas in Nicaragua. The farms here are typically small, averaging around three hectares each.
Reyes Coffee produces small-batch coffee from their family farm. They roast their beans in Los Angeles and offer fresh coffee to customers. The company’s medium roast coffee has a medium body with mild acidity. It features chocolate tones and nutty flavors with hints of vanilla and caramel. They offer different roast options, including light, medium, and dark roasts. The company also provides K-Cup pods made from biodegradable containers.
El Quetzal Coffee Co. – Fourth generation producers offering single varietal and estate reserve coffees
El Quetzal Coffee Co. operates as a fourth-generation coffee estate in the mountains of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. The family business started in 1947 and has maintained coffee production for over 75 years. Dr. Frank Bendaña founded the El Quetzal estate in the 1960s. His family continues the coffee legacy today, with third and fourth generation members running the operation. The company owns three properties in the Nicaraguan Highlands. They focus on specialty, single varietal, and estate reserve coffees that come directly from their farms.
Their coffee varieties have received international recognition for quality and production methods. The farms produce micro-lot coffees alongside their larger estate offerings. El Quetzal sells their coffee through direct-trade relationships and online retail. Customers can purchase single-origin coffees that showcase unique flavor profiles from specific varietals. The company also works with select partner growers and roasters. This allows them to offer additional coffee options while maintaining their focus on Nicaraguan specialty beans.
La Cosecha – Plantation-sourced espresso and roast beans available online
La Cosecha stands out as a premium Nicaraguan coffee brand that sources beans directly from its own plantation. They offer espresso, roast beans, and American coffee varieties through their online store. The company specializes in handpicking high-quality beans from its lush Nicaraguan plantations. Their coffee products showcase the rich flavors and traditions of Nicaraguan coffee growing. Coffee lovers can purchase La Cosecha products through multiple channels. The brand sells on Amazon, eBay, and its own online store for easy access.
Their espresso roast whole bean coffee works well for various brewing methods. Customers can use these beans for lattes, espresso shots, or classic black coffee. La Cosecha provides videos that showcase their Nicaraguan coffee plantation. These videos highlight their coffee-making process and the natural beauty of their growing regions. The brand focuses on quality and craftsmanship in its coffee selection. Each product aims to deliver the authentic taste of Nicaraguan coffee beans.
Conclusion
Premium Nicaraguan coffee beans have found their way into many top-rated coffee shops across the country in 2025. These establishments recognize the unique flavor profile and quality that Nicaragua’s ideal growing conditions produce. Coffee shops focusing on Nicaraguan beans offer customers bold, specialty-grade coffee with distinctive taste characteristics. The combination of skilled baristas and high-quality beans creates an exceptional coffee experience.
Customers seeking premium Nicaraguan coffee can find it at specialty coffee shops that prioritize quality sourcing and expert preparation. These venues demonstrate that Nicaraguan coffee deserves recognition alongside other renowned coffee origins.
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